Representative Chrissy Houlahan

Dear [firstname],

Have you visited the United States Capitol Building? In addition to being where our nation’s laws are made, it’s an incredibly beautiful building filled with paintings and statues of notable people and places from around the country. Earlier this year, I noticed there isn’t a statue dedicated to one of Pennsylvania’s most impactful figures in our country’s history: Ben Franklin. Can you believe that?

I am working with my Pennsylvania colleagues to introduce the Ben Franklin Statue Placement Act, which will bring a statue of this author, inventor, scientist, and diplomat to the halls of Congress. I appreciate Bucks County’s Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) for co-leading this effort with me.

Here’s where I need help from you, members of my creative community! Over the next several weeks, my team and I will collect videos from you – individuals, school groups, senior centers, nonprofit organizations, etc. – that I can share with my colleagues in Washington and post on social media to explain why Ben Franklin is so important and deserving of a statue in the Capitol Building. This effort is especially timely as we come upon the observance of our nation’s 250th birthday!

Submissions should:

Help us share the story of Ben Franklin
Explain to Congress why his impact on society and our democracy matters to you
Tell other lawmakers why a statue would help share this important history
Have a maximum viewing time of 2 minutes
Be submitted in .MOV format

As Pennsylvanians, we share a pride in our Commonwealth’s history and how it played a direct role in shaping our nation’s story. We would love to see a big part of this legacy – that of Ben Franklin – reflected in the Capitol Building! I hope you’ll join me.

Please send your submissions to PA06.info@mail.house.gov with the file as a .MOV by December 1 at 6 p.m. This is our first project of this kind, so we cannot guarantee that every submission will be used. If you are selected, though, you will be contacted by a member of our team!

Serving as our community's representative is the honor of my lifetime, and I hope to hear from you soon about any issue that concerns you.

As always, please contact my office if you need assistance

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Be well and see you soon!

Chrissy Houlahan

U.S. Member of Congress